Research Engineer - Wireless Communications in Southampton

Leonardo has a new exciting vacancy for a Wireless Communications Research Engineer. A unique opportunity to work on the 6th Generation Fighter Jets, supporting the joint UK, Italian and Japanese GCAP Project. Supported by an experienced team, the role will be working on a hybrid basis in our purpose-built facility in Southampton.

Your impact

As Wireless Communications Research Engineer, you will investigate different approaches for the design of airborne mesh networks, including analysing the results of simulations and proposing how to improve the design and assisting efforts to create standardisation proposals. Working in a Research and Development program, your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Researching papers and discussing findings
• Presenting ideas
• Working with algorithms and simulation software

Our Research Engineers span across a range of activities that help pull together all the necessary engineering and technology strands into a high-performance system. As a Research Engineer, you will bridge the gap between the theoretically possible and the practically implementable.

About You

Proven experience as a Research Engineer within a working environment or advanced academic research experience is a must. Ideally, you will have a Computer-Science or Communication Engineering based Honours degree or equivalent experience.

Required

• Related Engineering, Computer Science or similar.
• Knowledge of system engineering principles and model-based systems engineering.
• Knowledge of networking fundamentals, including network protocols and their use cases.
• Experience within communication technologies.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate ideas to varied audiences.
• The ability to design meaningful experiments and interpret the results.

Optional

• Knowledge of Algorithm Design
• Knowledge of MANETs particularly relating to FANETs
• Software engineering techniques
• Experience of Python or C++ programming.
• Experience in simulation and emulation.

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.

Security Clearance

Successful candidates will be UK nationals. This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you’re looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity.
• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website. Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Be part of something bigger - apply now!

Primary Location: GB - Southampton

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Hybrid